Blood Pressure

Definition

Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps it around your body. It's an important indicator of cardiovascular health.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Blood pressure is the lateral pressure exerted by the column of blood on the walls of blood vessels, specifically arteries, during the cardiac cycle. It is measured as systolic pressure over diastolic pressure, with normal levels around 120/80 mmHg.

Benefits

• Indicative of cardiovascular health.
• Helps diagnose conditions like hypertension.
• Monitors effectiveness of treatments aimed at controlling blood pressure.

Examples

• Blood pressure readings
• Sphygmomanometer use for measurement

Additional Information

• Importance: Maintaining a normal blood pressure is essential to prevent heart disease, stroke, and other health issues. Regular monitoring can help detect any unusual changes that may require medical attention.

Related Terms

• Hypertension
• Systolic Pressure
• Diastolic Pressure
• Heart Rate
• Cardiac Output

References

• Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
• Blood Pressure Basics